Subject headings: Use these in databases that use Controlled Vocabulary* searching.
Biodiversity Biotic Communities
Endangered Ecosystems
Endangered Species
Niche
Electronic Resources
Subscription Databases:
Gale Virtual Reference Library: Gale Virtual Reference Library is a database of encyclopedias and specialized reference sources for multidisciplinary research. These reference materials once were accessible only in the library, but now you can access them online from the library or remotely 24/7. This collection includes reference materials funding by the NYSL and those purchased by PHS. Search by using keyword or phrase.
Science Online: Presents a broad range of scientific disciplines through extensive definitions, essays, diagrams, biographies, and experiments. You can browse the topics or search by using your subject or keywords. Note the different types of resources under each tab in your result list.
**SIRS Knowledge Source**: SIRS Knowledge Source (SKS) is a comprehensive database portal which is comprised of several distinct reference databases including SIRS Researcher®, SIRS Government Reporter®, SIRS Renaissance®, SKS WebSelect™, SIRS Discoverer®, and Discoverer WebFind™. Updated daily, SKS provides relevant, credible information on social issues, science, history, government, the arts and humanities. Full-text articles and Internet resources are carefully selected from thousands of domestic and international publications and respected organizations. Begin your research by performing a subject heading search. That will bring up a list of LC Subject Headings related to your search terms. If you are not returning many results through subject heading searches, try a keyword search. SIRS is not as intuitive as some of the other databases, so you need to be more flexible in your search terms and strategies. SIRS has an online**Quick Start Guide**with more detailed search strategies.*Offers a Pro/Con perspective.
**Student Resource Center**: Database offering resources in literature, cultures, science, history, and geography. Full-text articles from reference works, primary sources, and periodicals. Start by doing a Subject Guide Search. You can then narrow your topic by subdivisions.
**World Book Online**: Encyclopedia, reference, and multimedia sources. Good starting point for a general overview. Includes links to reviewed web sites.
Pathfinder
Penfield High School Library
May 2008
Scope: Guide to materials available in the PHS library (also remote access--from home), through subscription databases and print resources.
I. Search Strategy
II. Electronic Resources
III. Additional Databases
IV. Print Resources
I. SEARCH STRATEGY
Keywords:
Use a particular topic you have an interest in researching as a keyword.
Biomes (see: Biotic Communities)
Habitat
Endangered Species
Tundra (region)
Desert (region)
Subject headings:
Use these in databases that use Controlled Vocabulary* searching.
Biodiversity
Biotic Communities
Endangered Ecosystems
Endangered Species
Niche
Electronic Resources
Subscription Databases:
Gale Virtual Reference Library: Gale Virtual Reference Library is a database of encyclopedias and specialized reference sources for multidisciplinary research. These reference materials once were accessible only in the library, but now you can access them online from the library or remotely 24/7. This collection includes reference materials funding by the NYSL and those purchased by PHS. Search by using keyword or phrase.
Science Online: Presents a broad range of scientific disciplines through extensive definitions, essays, diagrams, biographies, and experiments. You can browse the topics or search by using your subject or keywords. Note the different types of resources under each tab in your result list.
**SIRS Knowledge Source**: SIRS Knowledge Source (SKS) is a comprehensive database portal which is comprised of several distinct reference databases including SIRS Researcher®, SIRS Government Reporter®, SIRS Renaissance®, SKS WebSelect™, SIRS Discoverer®, and Discoverer WebFind™. Updated daily, SKS provides relevant, credible information on social issues, science, history, government, the arts and humanities. Full-text articles and Internet resources are carefully selected from thousands of domestic and international publications and respected organizations. Begin your research by performing a subject heading search. That will bring up a list of LC Subject Headings related to your search terms. If you are not returning many results through subject heading searches, try a keyword search. SIRS is not as intuitive as some of the other databases, so you need to be more flexible in your search terms and strategies. SIRS has an online **Quick Start Guide** with more detailed search strategies. *Offers a Pro/Con perspective.
**Student Resource Center**: Database offering resources in literature, cultures, science, history, and geography. Full-text articles from reference works, primary sources, and periodicals. Start by doing a Subject Guide Search. You can then narrow your topic by subdivisions.
**World Book Online**: Encyclopedia, reference, and multimedia sources. Good starting point for a general overview. Includes links to reviewed web sites.
Free web sites:
Internet Public Library
http://www.ipl.org/div/pf/
Pathfinders links to additional topics
Librarians' Internet Index
http://lii.org/
Authoratative Web Links